Ethnic Cleveland eNews
May 7, 2024
If you have trouble reading this in your e-mail,
|
|
The Polish Constitution of May 3, 1791 was the first constitution to follow the 1788 ratification of the United States Constitution. May 3 was restored as an official Polish holiday in April 1990, after the fall of communism. The Constitution of May 3, 1791 is considered one of the most important achievements in the history of Poland.
The May 3 anniversary of its adoption has been observed as Poland's most important civil holiday since Poland regained independence in 1918. Its importance for the Polish people has been compared to that of July 4th to Americans. The Polish American Congress Ohio Division hosted its 74th Constitution Day Parade on Sunday May 5, 2024.
|
|
After the Polish Constitution Day Parade people gathered for food, music, cultural performances and a short program. Pictures and video.
Cultural performances included songs and dances from the PIAST Polish Artistic Song and Dance Ensemble (photo above).
Also, youngsters from Henryk Sienkiewicz School recited poems in Polish. (photo below)
|
|
Polish and Haitians
You might not immediately associate these two groups together but as Fr. Eric Orzech explained at the Constitution Day event, Polish Freedom Fighters were sent to Haiti by Napoleon to squelch the uprising. When the Polish found out that the Haitians were fighting for freedom they joined their forces and helped them.
“Fighting for your freedom and ours.” Watch the short video.
|
|
Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month |
|
President Biden’s proclamation says in part, “This month, we celebrate the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AA and NHPI) communities, whose ingenuity, grit, and perseverance have pushed our great American experiment forward.
From Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders whose ancestors have called their lands home for hundreds of years to Asian immigrants who have newly arrived and those whose families have been here for generations — AA and NHPI heritage has long been a part of the history of our great country and a defining force in the soul of our Nation. As artists and journalists, doctors and engineers, business and community leaders, and so much more, AA and NHPI peoples have shaped the very fabric of our Nation and opened up new possibilities for all of us.”
|
|
Speaking of AAPI Heritage Month, the Cleveland Asian Festival (CAF) is a grassroots festival that highlights Cleveland’s AsiaTown, Diversity, and Asian Culture in Northeast Ohio. It was organized in 2010 by volunteer community leaders to celebrate Cleveland’s diversity and Asian Pacific American Heritage month. CAF has always been considered as the festival that kicks off summer.
The mission of CAF has remained the same over the years:
- Strengthening the identity of AsiaTown and supporting its economic growth
- Educating and promoting Asian culture and traditions
- Celebrating Asian Pacific American Heritage Month and Cleveland’s Diversity
- Uniting Cleveland’s Asian Community
Now in its 15th year, CAF is the signature event that defines AsiaTown and brings thousands to the neighborhood. CAF has led to the creation of new businesses in the area as well as neighborhood beautification with arts and cultural displays and decorations throughout the district.
Johnny Wu, one of the founders of CAF says, “The economic impact that CAF has generated for the AsiaTown neighborhood and businesses is significant. People who attend not only shop and eat that weekend but a large percentage return to AsiaTown throughout the year after experiencing it at CAF.”
|
|
Food has always been an important part of the Festival and 2024 visitors will enjoy a variety of food and drink options from dozens of food booths/trucks including 10 that are grilling in the Food Court. There will be 3 dedicated boba drink (bubble tea) vendors, fresh squeezed sugarcane juice and fresh coconut drinks. New in 2024 will be the Cleveland Asian Festival Food Awards which will judge and award the best.
The annual festival offers Free Admission, Free Parking with Free shuttle bus rides to and from the festival, a record number of Live entertainment including Cultural Performances and demonstrations on two outdoor stages, a World Marketplace of vendors and exhibitors, 20+ food vendors and food trucks, and caterers offering authentic Asian cuisines, Free health screenings at the Health Pavilion inside Asia Plaza and free activities for kids of all ages.
The 2024 Cleveland Asian Festival will be held on Saturday May 18 and Sunday May 19. See more.
|
|
Jewish American Heritage Month
May is also Jewish American Heritage Month. President George W. Bush first proclaimed the month on April 20, 2006. Since then, annual proclamations have been made by Presidents Bush, Obama, Trump, and Biden.
President Biden’ proclamation says in part, “For centuries, the perseverance, hope, and unshakeable faith of the Jewish people have inspired people around the world. During Jewish American Heritage Month, we celebrate the immeasurable impact of Jewish values, contributions, and culture on our Nation’s character and recommit to realizing the promise of America for all Jewish Americans.
In 1654, a small band of 23 Jewish refugees fled persecution abroad and sailed into the port of modern-day New York City. They fought for religious freedom, helping define one of the bedrock principles upon which our Nation was built. Jewish American culture has been inextricably woven into the fabric of our country. Jewish American suffragists, activists, and leaders marched for civil rights, women’s rights, and voting rights. Jewish American scientists, doctors, and engineers have made scientific breakthroughs that define America as a land of possibilities. They have served our Nation in uniform, on the Nation’s highest courts, and at the highest levels of my Administration. As public servants, artists, entertainers, journalists, and poets, they have helped write the story of America, making it — as Emma Lazarus’ poem on the Statue of Liberty states — a home for the “huddled masses yearning to breathe free.”
|
|
Cleveland International Hall of Fame |
|
Click on a name below to go to their induction page.
-
Dona Brady (Albanian heritage) who was inducted by Cleveland City Councilman Michael Polensek.
-
Veronica Dahlberg (Mexican and broader Hispanic) who was inducted by Cleveland City Councilwoman Jasmin Santana.
-
Dr. Eugene Jordan (African-American) who was inducted posthumously by Rev. Dr. Otis Moss Jr.
-
Erika Puussaar (Estonian) who was inducted by Estonia´s Ambassador to the United States Mr. Kristjan Prikk
-
Johnny K. Wu (Chinese and broader Asian) was inducted by Margaret W. Wong.
That’s African-American Cultural Garden leader Carl Ewing in the photo above. He was my partner in the Libation Ceremony that honored those members of the Hall of Fame that have passed on.
Dan Monroe and Raulston Douse from TV20 produced a great video. You can watch the entire video (below) or jump to any particular spot (an inductee or whatever).
|
|
Blast from the Past – Mame Daiko taiko drumming at 2014 Cleveland Asian Festival
Mame Daiko taiko drummers at the 4th annual Cleveland Asian Festival. Mame Daiko is a traditional Japanese taiko drum ensemble sponsored by the Cleveland Chapter of the Japanese American Citizens League (JACL.).
|
|
Sponsored Message - 2024 Pan-American Masters Games
Team registration for the Pan-American Masters Games has been extended! Register your whole team or as an individual by June 12.
|
|
The Pan-American Masters Games Welcome Celebration will take place on July 13 from 6:30-9p.m. We will welcome athletes, spectators and community members to kick off the week-long celebration of health, vitality and togetherness. The event will feature an athlete procession by sport, rock and roll music and special presentations. This brief ceremony will be followed by a festival full of food trucks, vendors and activities for all! This event is FREE and open to the public.
All are welcome to celebrate the end of the 2024 Pan-American Masters Games AND Cleveland’s 228th birthday! The Cleveland Celebration 5K: A Run to the Party is a community 5K available to anyone of all ages as we come together one last time for a huge party in the city. Learn more about 2024 Pan-American Masters Games
|
|
You will always find more information, links and schedule changes on the Calendar of Events.
|
|
CAMEO Meeting
Wednesday May 8
7 PM
Sky Restaurant - 6384 Pearl Rd. Parma Hts.
|
The Hostage Nightmare
Wednesday May 8
7 PM
Maltz Museum - 2929 Richmond Rd, Beachwood
The Hostage Nightmare: A Conversation with Photographer Michal Chelbin. $10 general, $5 for members. Join Michal Chelbin, photographer, Matthew Garson, curator, and Sarah Spinner Liska, Maltz Museum Board member, for an in-depth conversation about the impact of photographing the families of October 7, 2023 hostages.
Acclaimed Israeli photographer Michal Chelbin was approached by TIME magazine to photograph a story of the Israeli hostages taken on October 7, 2023. The cover story, The Hostage Nightmare was the most heartbreaking story Michal ever worked on. Michal will discuss the images as well as how she handled this important, yet very painful assignment. More Info
|
Hungarian Dance
Friday May 10
8 - 12 PM
Hungarian Scout Center - 1860 W. 22nd St. Cleveland
You are cordially invited to a dance hall at the Hungarian Scouts Center, hosted by the Hungarian Scout Folk Ensemble along with Mr. János Szabó on Saturday, May 10. Children of all ages are invited to participate between 8-9 P.M. and adults between 9 P.M. - 12 A.M. Guest folk musicians from Canada will provide lively entertainment throughout the evening. A $10 donation is suggested and light refreshments will be served. If you have any questions, please contact: 440-317-4008.
|
Indian Fun Fair
Saturday May 11
11:30 - 4:30
Solon Middle School Gym - 6835 SOM Center Rd.
|
Theater Life in Budapest
Saturday May 11
2 PM
Cleveland Hungarian Museum - The Galleria, Lower Level
At the turn of the 20th Century, Budapest began to develop rapidly, institutions of learning and entertainment developed, and Budapest became a world city with a vibrant cultural and artistic life. New theaters opened one after the other. Actors, directors, playwrights and hundreds of other artists filled Budapest’s cultural spaces. This period was an extremely colorful and rich period not only for the capital, but also for our Hungarian culture, including theater art.
Registration not required. Open to the public - all are welcome. Suggested donation: $10 for adults, $5 for students. The Lecture will be in Hungarian.
|
Hungarian Singers
Saturday May 11
6 PM
Vineyard Church Cleveland
6735 York Rd. Parma Hts.
Come, let us worship together with the singers of Ararat Worship Collective (from Budapest) on Saturday, May 11 at 6 P.M. at Vineyard Church Cleveland. Admission is free and following the concert, there will be a light reception. Please bring a friend, or several. For more information, email petralaszlo@yahoo.com.
|
Pundemics
Want to feel old? Watch young people gawk and take pictures of this ancient ruin.
|
Did you hear about the guy who got hit in the head with a can of pop?
He was lucky it was a soft drink!
Sure, I drink brake fluid.
But I can stop anytime!
What does a clock do when it's hungry?
It goes back for seconds.
Ba da dum
|
Postscript: Mother’s Day is this Sunday May 12 but take my advice – if your mother is still alive, treat her like every day is Mother’s Day. You won’t regret it.
|
Thanks to those who forward the eNews to friends and colleagues. Please encourage them to sign up themselves so they never miss an issue.
You received this message because you have expressed an interest in the ethnic and international communities in Cleveland. If you do not want to receive future messages, just unsubscribe. Thanks.
|
Copyright © 2024 Magnum Inc. All rights reserved. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
